§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Secretary of State for War why the 1914–15star has been refused to the 4th Battalion, Border Regiment, which, at the outbreak of war, volunteered for service and was sent to India, where it took part in the operations connected with the Mohmand blockade line?
§ Mr. FORSTERI am not aware that the 1914–15 Star has been refused to this Battalion, but if so it must be because the Battalion did not serve in a theatre of war as defined in Army Order 20 of 1919 (Appendix A, paragraph 5). If my hon. and gallant Friend will let me know on what information his question is based, and give me any particulars he has as to the exact situation of the Battalion during 1914–15, I will have inquiry made if there is any doubt on the matter.
§ Major COHENasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether members of the Mercantile Marine who assisted in the landing of troops at Gallipoli in 1915 are entitled to wear the 1914–15 ribbon?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe 1914–15 Star was instituted to recognise the services of the Armed Forces of the Crown, and the604W Mercantile Marine are not eligible for this award. Those members of the Mercantile Marine, however, who served under naval discipline on a special form of Admiralty agreement are regarded as forming part of the Armed Forces of the Crown. Another method of recognising the services of the Mercantile Marine at Gallipoli not so serving is under consideration.